Legend and History of the Arrábida Convent

The Arrábida Convent is linked to a legend which tells that in 1215 the merchant Hildebrant left England for Lisbon. He had been sailing for days when a storm arose and the ship was lost. It was a dark night, a violent storm, and at every moment the sailors feared they would be smashed on a rock. Hildebrant, who was particularly devoted to Our Lady, ran to his cabin to pray to the image he was carrying, but couldn’t find it. He didn’t give up and the whole crew prayed to Our Lady to help them. A flash of light appears, night becomes day and the storm subsides. Guided by the light, they sail safely to the coast of Arrábida.